Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2025 took place in Golden Gate Park on Fri, Oct 3, 2025 – Sun, Oct 5, 2025. It is a free event and you can learn more about it at https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/.
The weather during the festival in 2025 was quite pleasant with light winds out of the west and mostly clear skies. The temperature for most days was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. By Friday, the warm temperatures and sunny skies ruled. Unlike years before, when you could wander in from anywhere, the festival has entrances and a security checks. Fortunately the entire festival was peaceful. Interestingly, it does seem that since they legalized cannabis there is actually less smoking at this event. No need to send in the National Guard to patrol the mayhem.
There are basically two approaches to HSB. One is to travel light and get in as many acts in as possible, roaming from one stage to the next. The other is to bring a tarp or blankets, chairs and a small cooler full of food and drinks and park at a single stage. If you get to the festival early, it is easy to get a great spot. This year we did a bit of both. I had family and friends in town – great times Phil, Judy, Andrea, Patricia and Steve! Thanks for coming to the festival!
Without further ado, here are the 2025 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival SF Journal Awards.
Outstanding Set: SAMARA JOY and Her Killer Band
Samara Joy came with an outstand band and delivered a phenomenal set. Her band was alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet and trombone, piano, bass and drums. They played mostly standards at very fast tempos and each solo got two choruses. No eight bar breaks for this band. Near the end the trombone and trumpet traded solos. Alexandra Ridout did an excelent job coming in on trumpet. The arrangements were cleaver and punchy and the phrasing and articulations were spot on.
Trumpet: Alexandra Ridout
Trombone: Donavan Austin
Saxophone: David Mason (alto sax/flute), Kendric McCallister (tenor sax)
Piano: Connor Rohrer
Bass: Felix Moseholm
Drums: Evan Sherman
Outstanding Soloist: Trombone Player Donavan Austin in SAMARA JOY’s Killer Band
It is a bit odd for an outstanding soloist at a bluegrass festival to go to a trombonist, however I do believe that Mister Bill Monroe would probably not argue with me if he had heard Donavan. A wonderful synthesis of Slide Hampton and Frank Rosolino. Look out! Donavan can play!
Best Cumbia Groove: CHUCK PROPHET AND HIS CUMBIA SHOES
Chuck Prophet is an interesting guy who brought together an eclectic band of Latino players. His stream of conscious lyrics float over various cumbia and rock grooves and along with their coordinated brown cumbia outfits it all just works. Chuck is a fun guitar player to listen to, often venturing into sonic landscapes while the other guitar player rips on the metal licks. Excellent set.
Best Bluegrass Groove: DAN TYMINSKI BAND
Dan Tyminsky is the guy who sang “I am a Man of Constant Sorrow” for George Clooney on the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Of course they did sing this song and all was well. Solid band that at one point invited Sam Bush up on stage to add to the party.
Bob Wills No Mumbling Award: CIMAFUNK
Bob Wills was the leader of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, who some say invented Western Swing. One thing Bob did not like was band leaders that mumbled on the mic between songs. He was of the the belief that people came to hear you play and dance not to hear you talk. He played his sets with songs back to back, never pausing to reflect, always keeping the couples on the dance floor. Bob probably would have enjoyed Cimafunk, the powerhouse international band (mostly from Cuba) who played some funky grooves, almost reminiscent of Tower of Power at one point. They played one song after another. Unlike some of the country acts that told stories that were difficult to hear and attempted to tune their guitars between songs, Cimafunk just busted into the next groove.
Best Vocal Harmonies Award: I’M WITH HER
I’m With Her are three outstanding female musicians who can both play and sing – Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O’Donovan. Their sound brings to mind Crosby, Stills and Nash in their early days with beautiful three part harmonies. If they pass through town, buy the good seats.
Most Energetic Show: CIMAFUNK
In terms of total calories burned, Cimafunk won this award. No contest
Up and Coming Artist Award: KAIA KATER
Kaia Kater played on the Horseshoe Stage which was a cute little stage on top of a hill. I really enjoyed her clawhammer banjo playing and interesting song writing.
Best Sign On a Backpack Award: GUY WITH CLEAR BACKPACK
Fuck the NRA for making me Buy This
SURF REPORT & WEATHER
This report would not be complete without a surf round up. A large short period wind swell which was unruly and unsurfable was at Ocean Beach on Friday. This gave way to some shoulder high glassiness and outstanding surf by Sunday. This surf continued on for a few days until the fog rolled back in.
Band We Listened to:
ANDERSON EAST
SHAWN COLVIN
THE WAR & TREATY
NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND
JEFF TWEEDY
SAMARA JOY
CIMAFUNK
DAN TYMINSKI BAND
KAIA KATER
SAMARA JOY
CHUCK PROPHET AND HIS CUMBIA SHOES
NICK LOWE & LOS STRAITJACKETS
I’M WITH HER
EVOLFO
LUCINDA WILLIAMS
ALAN SPARHAWK w/ TRAMPLED BY TURTLES
EMMYLOU HARRIS
